Two “loving and caring” brothers who were discovered dead at their mother’s London home have received tribute from a school.
Alexander, 9, and Maximus De Jager, 7, along with their mother Nadja, 47, were discovered dead at 11:50 p.m. yesterday in a terraced house in Belvedere, southeast London. A police investigation has been opened.
No one else is being actively sought by detectives as part of the investigation.
The driveway, which is where a grey Mitsubishi pickup truck is parked, was littered with kids’ toys today, including a small basketball hoop and multicoloured sand toys.
Alexander and Maximus’ classmates at Belvedere Infant and Junior School have received tributes in the wake of the tragedy.
In a statement, the school stated: “We will always remember Alex and Max as two of the most wonderful people who ever attended our school. They were kind, loving boys who genuinely wanted to learn.
“They were each other’s best friends and both were model students. Both students and faculty alike will deeply miss them, and Belvedere will always hold a special place in our hearts for them.
“Our deepest condolences are with the family and their friends during this difficult time and in due course we will share details of a fitting memorial for the brothers at Belvedere.
“For now, our immediate priority has been to make sure we have support in place for the children and staff to help them come to terms with what has happened, including through specialist counselling.
“The death of any child is a terrible tragedy, but our school community will come together to grieve and to be there for each other. Belvedere is a warm and loving place and we will come through this together.”
Shocked neighbours have spoken of their horror following the discovery of the family’s bodies.
Marion Beazer, who lives opposite the home, said as far as she could tell they were a “normal family”.
The pensioner, who has lived in the street for 40 years, added: “They never caused any issues in the street.
“As far as I’m aware they were just a normal family. They kept themselves to themselves.
“The neighbours here really watch out for each other.
“Seeing the kids toys out the front tugs on the heartstrings. It’s just dreadful.”
Marion claimed that two police officers were inspecting her home’s CCTV for any unusual activity.
The mother of the family used to be seen walking her two young sons to and from school, according to another neighbour, Christopher Babutulde, 68, who lives two doors down from the family.
He added: “It’s really shocking. We’re such a close-knit community who really care for each other.
“There’s been a big police presence since yesterday. I’ve had officers knocking on my door.”
